The Winner City Council received departmental reports on water, streets, parks and public safety, saw a demonstration of newly purchased police body armor, and approved a slate of routine items including two intergovernmental contracts, a lease and budget encumbrances.

Public Works Director Troy Krueger reported maintenance work at the airport bathrooms, meter-reading and repairs, two water leaks attributed to cold weather, snow removal and repairs to poles and transformers in the East Ninth and West Haven areas. He said crews began work at Bailey’s softball complex and identified old meters and electric meters removed from the city shop.

Public Safety Director Mitch Miller presented the communications (PSAP) report, saying the agency logged 1,925 dispatched incidents and 775 9‑1‑1 calls; 368 calls for service were recorded for the local police department. Miller also introduced Lieutenant Chris Aid, who joined Miller to demonstrate new bulletproof vests recently purchased for the department. Miller said the department bought three vests (two in hand, one pending) and that the new vests wrap around and provide side coverage lacking on older vests; he described them as an improvement in comfort and safety for 12‑hour shifts.

Finance Officer Harley Kenny reported an approved alcohol and beverage permit for a benefit at the 4‑H center on Feb. 7 and reminded department heads that inventories are due in January. Kenny also outlined upcoming election filing dates for vacant wards; circulation of nominating petitions begins Jan. 31 and petitions must be filed (or postmarked) by Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.

In votes at a glance, the council approved the following (motions and outcomes as recorded at the meeting):

- Second reading and mayoral signature: 09/11 contract for 2024–2025 with Bennett County (roll call unanimous).
- Second reading and mayoral signature: 9‑1‑1 contract for 2024–2025 with Gregory County (roll call recorded as affirmative).
- Motion to enter the Board of Adjustments (approved) and subsequently approval of an out‑of‑town replat within the city’s three‑mile jurisdiction (approved).
- Designated the Winner Advocate as the city’s official newspaper (roll call unanimous).
- Approved a lease agreement with T4 Foundation (roll call unanimous).
- Approved Encumbrance Resolution 2025‑1 to carry specified 2024 budget items into 2025. The encumbrances listed included approximately $2,500 for managed IT, about $1,900 for vehicle repairs, and roughly $9,000 for equipment including the new vests shown earlier. Public works items to be encumbered include funds to purchase a John Deere 315SL backhoe (lease matures March 27, 2025) and about $15,000 remaining in the pool budget to convert the city pool from bleach disinfection to a gas chlorine system.
- Named First Fidelity Bank and BankWest as the city’s official depositories (approved).
- Approved payment of claims (approved).
- Entered executive session for a personnel matter (approved).

Why it matters: The encumbrance resolution preserves budgeted 2024 funds to pay for equipment and repairs in 2025, including the police vests and pool conversion, and the intergovernmental contracts maintain dispatch and county service arrangements for emergency communications.

Ending: The council adjourned to an executive session on a personnel matter at the end of the meeting.